Norfolk’s long and distinguished naval and air force history is destined to come together in the new RAF Marham-based Lightning II strike aircraft, which will operate from land bases and aircraft carriers. Set to be deployed in the county from 2018, preparations re already under way at Marham to receive the new warplane. As the base gears up for the next generation of military strike aircraft, MarK NICHOLLS focuses on the county’s illustrious past as a naval and air power in a six-part series specially-commissioned for the Eastern Daily Press.